All posts by running diva

Gurye is a picturesque farming town in the province of Jeollanam-do in South Korea. Last year, I was there for the first time to support a teammate who did (and finished) his first full Ironman.

The IRONMAN Triathlon (tri) race is a 3.8 KM swim, a 180 KM bike ride, and a 42 KM run with only 17 hours to complete all three legs of the race.

What I remembered most of the event was the swim leg. While watching the athletes lining up and seeding themselves for their predicted swim time, it was in that moment I knew I would be ready to do my first full distance (226 KMS) with more or less a year of preparation.

And so I signed up for 2018 IRONMAN Gurye. My goal was to make it at the finish line, except I didn’t.

Preparation

As part of my tri training and in order to build endurance, I registered for Cebu Marathon, Tigasin Triathlon in Pangasinan (standard distance), and two stand-alone cycling events of Tour de Bintan in Indonesia: the 17 KM Individual Time Trial and Classic 144 KM races (this will be another blog story soon).

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Gran Fondo World Series is a series of UCI-sanctioned races held all over the world. Tour de Bintan is one of those.

To top it off, it was indeed helpful to have a tri coach for my Gurye race. The online tri training via Training Peaks app was offered pro bono by tri coach and cycling aficionado Coach Andy. Training sessions commenced in October 2017.

Race Day

SWIM

I wore a tri kit under my wetsuit for the swim. The beauty of wearing a tri-specific race suit is that you can wear it throughout the entire event. Most tri kits are designed to be worn during the swim, bike, and run. Well, ideally. It’s a whole other story in cold weather.

On race morning, race officials and volunteers directed all participants to self-seed based on their projected swim time. The weather that day affected water temperature and a blanket of fog covered the lake. While waiting for the gun start, we danced to these perfect upbeat tempos to warm up.

Not being used to cold water swimming (even after having the test swim the day before), I struggled to find my breath within moments of entering the lake and stopped swimming for a minute or two to blow bubbles. The water was way too cold even with a wetsuit. Endured intermittent painful calf cramps on the course. I tried to relax my cramped leg and kept moving forward. As I was on my way back after a U-turn point, a fellow participant accidentally hit the side of my head, just above my ear with his hand as I was rolling my head to breathe. I tried not to feel panicky while trying to reach for the lane rope to pull myself together. After swimming the last 500 meters using only my arms because both of my legs cramped already, what a relief it was to be out of the water, finally! I was thrilled to bits hearing my name announced by the host while on my way to T1 or the swim-to-bike transition area.

BIKE

Transitioning from cold water to cycling was a huge challenge. The air was chilly while moving out from T1. Not having fully recovered from the swim, yet there I was faced with significant climbs in the next kilometers. Quads cramped. First time it happened. Then I saw a lady participant who got off her bike and walked the hill. Me! No way!

Was in luck to build up some speed on the way down and saved some energy by maintaining a good tempo while coasting some of the kilometers leading to the main Y-shaped bike course.

On the course, aid stations provided muscle cramp relief spray and sunscreen. They were also well stocked with a variety of snacks, bananas, energy gels, and half-full bottles filled either with cold water or energy drink prepared by awesome volunteers. Toilet stop is not a problem since it is equipped with tissue and water. What more could I ask for?

I was almost done with my second lap, on a path under a shady canopy of trees, when I saw this lady rider ahead of me wobbled, fell off her bike on the right side of the road, and accidentally slammed her head on the highway guardrail. Her feet were still attached to the pedals when I stopped to check if she had injuries. I was figuring out a way to break the language barrier and continued to speak proper English telling her not to move. She may have simply not caught everything I said while waiting for her teammate to make a turn on the road and park his bike so he can assist her before I continued to roll on.

Done with two laps and was about to do my third when I noticed volunteers have left the road intersection, with the U-turn signage for third lap gone and replaced with a straight-on directional sign. With his right arm waving in the air, one race official shouted inaudible words to all bikers and pointed his other arm to the road straight ahead. I followed, and then hesitated. Realized I’m not finished yet. One more loop. But, it was in this leg where my race that day ended. I had to talk to a race official and surrendered my timing chip because I really didn’t think I was going to make the race cutoff. It was so close. Difficult as it was, but I made the decision.

The last stretch of the course leading up to T2 is a 20-kilometer highway with a low-gradient climb as a ruler’s edge. With no shade and as straight as it was, it was the last mental test in the bike course. Heavy-hearted, there I was pedaling slowly back to transition, reliving the moment, and thinking of what had just happened. This: A DNF (did not finish) at my first full IRONMAN race. I was devastated.

LESSONS

Choose to be positive and have a grateful attitude.

The support I got from friends, family, siblings, and relatives was overwhelming.

My nephew who’s based in Hawaii messaged me, “It’s OK Auntie there are still many races.” Or, my niece’s message, “Proud niece here!” Or, to my coach who said, “You did better than many other people out there. Just showing up and doing what you could despite all the challenges was brave and already an achievement. Congratulations nonetheless and keep your chin up. You’ll get there one day.” Or, my sister who sent me extra money for whatever stuff I needed to buy. Or, my supervisor who wished me well and asked me to come back in one piece after the race. Or, friends and teammates who gave their time to send me (and another teammate) off at the airport and supported this endeavor in whatever they could.

Sometimes you win. Sometimes you make it. Sometimes you LEARN.

Every athlete, no matter how ready or well trained, will one day have a race that is disappointing, or not perfect. I may have missed hearing these words “You are an Ironman!” or receiving the finisher’s medal, but again, it is only a race. There are still plenty of races out there, but there’s only one life.

Sportsmanship goes beyond the game. Accept the outcome of the game.

I have swum (3.8KMS) and biked (over 100KMS) the race by its rules. “Finished or not finished, pass your papers!” That’s part of sportsmanship. Sportsmanship or the golden rule in sports and competition means handling both victory and defeat graciously and taking it all in stride by following the rules of the game, respecting the officials, and treating fellow participants with respect. Win or lose (or not being able to finish), it is all part of sportsmanship.

Let it go. Then, move on.

Dreaming big, or shooting for the star. Setting goals and trying to achieve them the best way possible.

Rising to challenges and managing personal and work-related stressors. Spending a huge chunk of time (aside from having to work eight hours a day) training at night and on weekends—rain or shine—with dedication for that goal. Believing in “me” and having that can-do attitude.

Showing up on race day at the starting line ready to battle what’s ahead (in spite of dealing with ongoing pain).

Well, these things I consider as huge accomplishments already.

It’s OK to be sad for a while. But don’t beat yourself up. The most import part is to figure out what’s needed to be done. In time, pick up your plan where you left off and come back strong. Stronger and better than ever before.

Bicycle brand Specialized gears up for its store’s grand opening on October 17 at the SM by the Bay Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Considered a bike-friendly area especially in the morning, SM by the Bay is one perfect location for the first of three new Specialized concept stores, with Pasig and Maginhawa Street in Quezon City completing the stores to open this year.

The bike shop is set to offer a comprehensive selection of mountain, trail, and road bikes. The 2019 Shiv disc bike is set to take center stage during opening day. The all-new triathlon specific bike promises an unprecedented aero design, a storage for fuel and hydration to last the whole race, and the most flexible fit. It is the most complete triathlon bike ever made.

Riders can expect a complete Specialized experience through the store’s full scope of services including easy and worry-free purchases. Fabulous prizes will be raffled off while Specialized will offer a launch discount of 10% on all items.

Gruppo Innovare Corporation is the authorized and appointed distributor of Specialized Bicycle Components in the Philippines.

Subic Bay (3 June 2018) — Seychelles’ Nick Baldwin and Australia’s Liz Blatchford finished the race as champions of the Century Tuna Ironman Philippines, the inaugural full distance triathlon race in the country.

Baldwin successfully swam, biked, and ran the Subic Bay race course finishing at 08:50:30 past New Zealand’s Cameron Brown (08:56:49) and Simon Cochrane (08:58:58), who placed second and third respectively to win the Men’s Pro Division.

Blatchford meanwhile, topped the Women’s Pro Division at 09:22:22 with fellow Aussie Dimity-Lee Duke (09:40:45) coming in second followed by New Zealand’s Simone Maier (09:47:39).

Filipino August Benedicto ruled the Asian Elite Division clocking in at 09:48:46. Pinoys Benjamin Rana (10:13:01) and John Philip Duenas (10:27:34) who came in second and third respectively share Benedicto’s pride of being top Ironmen in their own country.

Baldwin and Blatchford got their share of the US$ 25,000 total purse prize for winning their respective divisions. Also, the race served as a qualifier for the 2018 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, USA with 30 slots up for grabs.

The country’s first full distance Ironman saw close to 1,300 participants from 50 countries including the Philippines. A total of 805 Pinoys were among the pack, a strong indication of triathlon’s increasing popularity and the Philippines becoming a premier race destination.

“Filipinos earning an Ironman badge on home soil is making history. We hope the triumph of our Ironmen and Ironwomen today inspires our countrymen to embrace fitness and live healthier lifestyles—our goal as an organization from the very start,” said Greg Banzon, EVP and COO of Century Pacific Food.

The Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines 2018 is produced and organized by Sunrise Events and made possible through the support of a number of sponsors and partners including Alaska, the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, AAI, SBMA, Acea Subic Bay, NLEX and SCTEX, HOKA One One, Gatorade, Aquafina, TYR, Stork, David’s Salon, GU, Intercare, Prudential Guarantee; media partners The Philippine Star, Hyper HD on Cignal, AsiaTRI.com and Finisher Pix; marketing partners AlcoPlus, Cetaphil, Devant, Fern-C, Ford, PLDT SMART Communications, Regent Foods, Sanicare, and Timex. For more details, visit Century Pacific or Ironman Philippines.

Five decades since its inception, Salomon continues to elevate outdoor experiences as the world’s leading trail running brand. Beyond its steadfast dedication to superior product innovation, Salomon embraces its role as pillar of outdoor athleticism. In its bid to push the boundaries of trail running, Salomon announces the return of Salomon X-Trail Run on 22 July 2018 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Conceived in 2008 as an annual event throughout Southeast Asia, the Salomon X-Trail Run is held in countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Though held in venues known for its grueling, exceptional, and technical trail routes yet participated still by most runners, fitness junkies, and outdoor adventurers.

Beyond Boundaries

Following last year’s widely successful turnout of close to 1,200 participants, this year’s race seeks to attract 1,500 participants from all over the country as it unveils another adrenaline-pumping trail running event across the lush and vigorous forest trails of the Subic Freeport Zone consists of two categories—the Trail Run for beginners with 6K and 12K distances and the more technical Mountain Run designed for experienced runners with its 24K and 32K distances.

Positioned as a challenging category, the Mountain Run features a heady combination of terrains—from asphalt to rocky trails to rivers to sandy tracks, and steep technical ascents—all of which are designed to test the stamina of the most tenacious runner. Also, specific areas and control points within the course are identified to ensure participants finish the race within the official time alongside motivational posters to encourage them.

Given the demanding nature of these distances, 24K and 32K participants are requested to submit a medical certificate before registration and bring with them on race day the mandatory gear, eg headlamp, whistle, and hydration pack or belt with at least 500 ml of water. As pioneer advocate of a Green Race since its first series in 2010, Salomon will not permit the use of disposables during the event hence participants are advised to bring their own water bottles.

Reminder: Those found with incomplete gear will not be allowed to participate in the race.

The Mountain Run participants will receive a race bib, timing chip, Salomon X-Trail technical jersey, Salomon microfiber towel, post-race meal, raffle coupon, and products from sponsors. For this category, only those who finish within the cut-off time will receive a finisher’s medal.

Path to Progress

An advocate of inclusivity, Salomon X-Trail Run also opens its doors to avid runners with basic to no trail running experience with its 6K and 12K Trail Run category. Though slightly less demanding, the Trail Run category aims to inspire runners to test the limits of their ability by coming up with a technical terrain that will surely prove challenging for its participants. Trail Run participants will receive a race bib, timing chip, Salomon X-Trail technical jersey, post-race meal, raffle coupon and products from sponsors.

Interested participants can register either via online registration or in-store registration at any Salomon store branches SM Aura, SM Megamall, Glorietta 3, and SM North EDSA Annex until 8 July 2018. Claiming of race kits will be onsite. Alternatively, online registrants can opt for their race kits be delivered via courier for an additional fee.

For inquiries about the event, email SalomonXtrail2018@extribeinc.com. Follow Salomon X-Trail Run Pilipinas on their Facebook Page @salomonphilippines and @SalomonPH on Instagram.

Gear Up and Conquer your Limits with Salomon

Ideal for competitive trail runners, Salomon’s high performance collections include the S/LAB SENSE 6 and S/LAB SENSE 6 SG, which boast Endofit and ContaGrip technologies for maximum traction over any terrain. The S/LAB SENSE 6 is made with a hard ground outsole while S/LAB SENSE 6 SG features an aggressive outsole and a soft mesh upper to keep out debris.

Proving to be a brand built by athletes for athletes, the S/LAB SENSE ULTRA 2 was developed with French elite athlete Francois D’haene. The result was a remarkable running shoe that embodied D’haene’s stamina, precision, and agility. Its key features include the Energysave foam insert for cushioning and protection from the coarsest terrain, Energycell+ foam for a smooth consistent ride, and Sensefit construction for added confidence when traversing downhill.

Even the most experienced runners cannot escape the perils of bad weather. The S/LAB SPEED 2 is designed to hold out against muddy, wet, and slippery trails with its narrow fit for precision and agility even in the worst conditions, ContaGrip sole to ensure traction and resist clogging, and a protective mudguard positioned around the foot area.

Derived directly from the S/LAB group, the SENSE collection offers trail running shoes that are formidable and durable. It includes the SENSE RIDE with its generous cushioning, which enables one to push the mileage for extended time in comfort, SENSE PRO 2 for a lightweight feel without sacrificing comfort, SENSE ESCAPE, which offers incredible protection and grip on and off the road, and SENSE PRO MAX, which boasts an anti-vibration technology for less shock and more fun. The SENSE models are available for both men and women.

Salomon’s latest collection also engages runners with its selection of superior running vests. Lightweight and constructed for precision, the all-new AGILE 2 SET is a power mesh-equipped running vest that serves the perfect function of carrying one’s essentials without compromising air-flow, comfort, and motion. Under the S/LAB collection is the S/LAB SENSE ULTRA 5 SET, an ultimate gear made with anti-odor stretchy mesh fabric and Sensifit construction that promises to wrap around the body without hindrance and as lightweight as it can be at 100 g.

The Salomon Brand

Founded in 1947 in Annecy France, Salomon began as a mountain sports brand driven by passion for outdoor pursuits. It has emerged as a global leader in trail running footwear and accessories. As Salomon X-Trail Run Pilipinas returns, runners can expect another outdoor experience bearing a brand built on athletic excellence. Salomon is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by the Primer Group of Companies.

Jeju Island, South Korea – “Race safe, enjoy and make 7-Eleven and the Philippines proud,” said 7-Eleven Run series project head Michelle Saludes to Filipino runners on race day morning at the 23rd Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival held at Gujwa Life Sports Park in South Korea’s Jeju Island.

Eleven Filipino runners of Team 7-Eleven Philippines competed in the recently held 23rd Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival in Jeju Island, South Korea.

Eleven Filipino runners made it to the race courtesy of 7-Eleven Philippines as part of their prize for landing within the top three spots of this year’s 7-Eleven Run Series held in February. The runners lived up to expectations and grabbed top spots in the 21-kilometer and 42-kilometer categories.

The Team 7-Eleven Philippines delegation to Jeju Island, South Korea was composed of 11 Filipino elite runners and executives of the Philippine Seven Corporation.

Fresh from her training camp in Italy, Olympic medalist and marathon queen Mary Joy Tabal showed her winning form to dominate in the 21K race clocking at 1:18:44 besting Japanese and Korean elite runners who placed second and third respectively. “I wasn’t able to break my personal record, but I am satisfied and happy with my overall performance. This race serves as an evaluation of my training and a good warm-up for me for the Asian Games next month,” said Tabal who left for Italy next day to continue with her training.

Ruffa Sorongon and Christabel Martes, who directly came from their successful 10K race in last week’s Philippine National Games, took the fourth and fifth podium spots of the 21K category to complete the Female Top 5.

From left to right: Richeel Languido (3rd male), Maricar Camacho (2nd female), Judelyn Miranda (1st female), Bryan Quiamco (2nd male) and Rafael Pestos (4th male). All made it to the podium of the 42K race of the 23rd Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival.

Richard Salaño, Bulacan’s “Kenyan Slayer” settled for a number two finish in the 21K male category, clocking at 1:11:19. Cebu’s Prince Joey Lee and Cagayan de Oro’s Jerald Zabala settled for the fifth and sixth place respectively. It was Lee’s and Zabala’s first race outside the Phiippines.

Meanwhile, Filipino runners also reigned in the 42K category . Bryan Quiamco, who earned his slot by winning the third spot of the 42K race of the 7-Eleven Race Series in February, took runner-up honors by finishing at 2:37:03. Richeel Languido grabbed third place while Rafael Pescos placed fourth.

On the distaff side, the Filipinas ruled as veteran Davaoeña runner Judelyn Miranda covered the challenging course in 3:16:03 to bag the crown and beat teammate Maricar Camacho who finished at 3:26:55 to settle for second place.

“We are very satisfied with Team 7-Eleven Philippines’ performance here at the 23rd Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival. 7-Eleven Philippines will continue with its program to nurture and support our Filipino runners who aspire to get the chance to represent the country in an international race. With that, we encourage them to prepare well and we’ll see them on February 3, 2019 for the 2019 7-Eleven Run Series,” shared 7-Eleven general merchandise division head Jose C. Ang, Jr. when asked about the team’s performance.

Team 7-Eleven Philippines posed for a victory photo together with 7-Eleven Philippines’ marketing director Jackie Lay (standing), general merchandise division head Jose C. Ang, Jr. (seated), and 7-Eleven Run Series project head Michelle Saludes (seated).

Since 2013, 7-Eleven Philippines have given Filipino elite runners a chance to compete in the international arena by bringing them to a foreign running race, all expenses paid and needs taken cared of plus pocket money. Runners who successfully finish in any of the top three overall spots in their respective category will not only get to bring home the race prizes, but also receive a bonus cash prize from 7-Eleven Philippines.

Billy Biag flashed superb form and dominated the long distance triathlon while Mark Malolot held off Jade Albar in the standard distance as they shared top honors in the Tri-Factor Philippines Asian Championship Series at the Camsur Watersports Complex in Camarines Sur on 26-27 May 2018.

Long distance tri participants preparing for the swim start.

Biag clocked 3:19:04 to rule the grueling 1.5K swim-60K bike-15K run event beating Renel Brecenio (3:27:05) by almost eight minutes while Anthony Llaguno III clocked 3:50:30 to place third overall, capping the two-day novel triathlon (tri), which featured a four-leg mass participation series composed of individual swim, bike, run events, and a finale tri.

Triathlete Malolot ruled the 1.5K swim-40K bike-10K run in 2:27:31 foiling Albar, who clocked 2:31:09 while Ryan Laurino placed third overall in 2:38:43 followed by Edgar Cabalero (2:46:37) and Ricky Busran (2:51:59) . Actor Gerald Anderson of Team De Rosa clocked 1:16:15 to win in the 25-29 Age Group (AG) Sprint Division. Ms. Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez finished her maiden tri in the Freshmen Division.

Likewise, Biag topped the 35-44 AG with Breceno claiming the crown in the 25-34 AG. Topping the female side of the 25-34 AG was Regina Rosquites. The Tri-Factor Philippines served as the third leg of this year’s Asian Championship Series and hosted by CamSur. Athletes also provided school supplies and slippers to over 200 indigent kids under the Race to Give Program of Sanctband facilitated by Tri-Factor Philippines marketing arm One of a Kind Marketing.

“I’m looking forward to another cheerful event next year. The people, the place and CamSur are just amazing,” said Elvin Ting, managing director of organizing Orange Room Pte Ltd. and Tri-Factor series founder.

Sharing the spotlight are the top finishers of the relay in the Open Division of the long distance triathlon led by Bolima Madler, Platilla Margarito, and Lagyap Marino with a time of 3:02:32. Hezron Vasquez, Gil Peña Jr., and Dave de Vera finished in 3:18:47 to capture second place, while the relay team of Ruben Mariano, Inocencio Parza, and Dennis Suz clocked 3:27:36 to garner third place.

“When you’re focused on finishing the race, it is the most amazing feeling. Nothing else matters, but to see yourself cross the finish line,” said Governor Migs Villafuerte. Representative LRay Villafuerte together with the young CamSur Governor graced the event. Under Armour ambassador and concert vocalist Elle Adda hosted the event.

Kids and Freshmen participants posed for a photo op with guests and organizers before the start of the inaugural Tri-Factor Asian Championship Series in CamSur.

Malolot also took the crown in the 16-24 AG category with Laurino ruling the 25-34 AG and Busran topping the 35-44 AG of the event. Winners gained berths in the Tri-Factor Series in Thailand plus an overnight stay in Caramoan islands.

In the sprint distance (740m swim-20K bike-5Krun), John Caleb Barlin took the overall crown with a 1:08.29 clocking beating Louie Ibo and Roman Bonagua who timed 1:12.52 and 1:14.46 respectively. They also took the top three places in the 16-24 AG category.

Junior Oba topped the 30-44 AG in 1:29.43 while Aldo Turiano took the crown in the 45 and above AG category in 1:33.40 while Faith Robertson (16-29 AG) and Keigh Pascual (30-44 AG) reigned in the Women’s Division clocking 1:27.28 and 1:32.30 respectively.

Tri-Factor Asian Championship Series celebrated their 10th year by having a four-leg mass participation series in countries across Asia such as Malaysia, China, Indonesia, and Thailand. The next Tri-Factor series will be held in Thailand on 17 June 2018.

Is energy drink good for athletes? The truth is, yes and no. There are various opinions regarding energy drink. Some say it may pose danger to public health especially to those with underlying medical condition. Others claim it boosts performance, alertness, and improves focus. Here’s sharing with you what a leading energy drink have to say about it. Read on …

The road to the education of energy drink consumption has been a long-standing battle between facts and fiction. With today’s lifestyle pace, keeping up with the demands to have more in a day becomes time and energy consuming. The emergence of energy drink has given active and lifestyle peoples a lifeline to get things done. And if there is one truth about energy drink is that you can control what you consume, and knowing the truth from fiction is necessary to maximize benefits.

About Cobra

Cobra is the Philippines’ number one and best-selling energy drink, powering the country to progress. It contains world standard quality ingredients like B vitamins sourced from Qualiblends, the world’s leading supplier of pharma grade vitamins, as well as ginseng, taurine, inositol and other ingredients to help Filipinos achieve more in a single day, every day. It has five variants to serve different energy needs, namely: Cobra Original and Cobra Berry for instant energy boost, Cobra Fit with ActivBurn technology plus L-Carnitine to burn calories faster during endurance exercise, Cobra Smart with Ginkgo Biloba for enhanced mental performance and mental focus, and Cobra Defense with Vitamins A to E and Zinc for energy and immunity. For more information on Cobra, visit Cobra Philippines on Facebook.

The Truth About Energy Drinks: Truth vs. Myth Exposed

Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine

Myth: A 240 ml bottle of energy drink contains about 90 mg of caffeine wherein compared to a medium or big brewed coffee, which has three times more caffeine content confirms this is a myth. More than the wake up buzz, energy drinks have other ingredients such as B vitamins, ginseng, and inositol, which also help boost energy and mental alertness. It is best to check product label to see how much caffeine an energy drink contains.

Energy drinks are also sports drinks

Truth and Myth: While there is no difference between sports drinks and energy drinks, it is more correct to say that energy drinks can be used as sports drinks. They are both categorized as water based flavored drinks which may or may not contain electrolytes, vitamins, and other nutrients. The ingredients energy drinks provide are intended to enhance physical performance especially before workout as it keeps you more stimulated for exercise. However, energy drinks are diuretics due to its caffeine content. It is important to partner energy drinks by drinking lots of water.

Energy drinks are not recommended for children or for caffeine sensitive persons

Truth: Caffeine being the key ingredient found in energy drinks, effects on sleeping habit, mood, and even appetite may be experienced. Similarly on how we keep children away from coffee and soda, drinking energy drink is also not advisable for them. High caution is also given to persons with caffeine sensitivity, especially pregnant or lactating women.

Energy drinks cause heart palpitations and difficulty in breathing

Myth and Truth: The bad reputation of energy drink comes from the issue of experiencing heavy palpitations that may bring about breathing difficulties. From energy drinks to sodas, teas, and even chocolates and nuts, caffeine is present in most of what we consumed. Persons who are not used to consuming caffeine, or at the very least who do not drink coffee, have higher chances of experiencing its effects. It is not because the ingredient is not safe for the body, but solely because the body adjusts to this added stimulant.

Energy drinks are not regulated

Myth: The key ingredients in an energy drink are also the same ingredients that are present in the food we consume daily. Energy drink enables one to power through daily activities, from mid to high-level energy requirement.

The leading energy drink in the country has been in the market since 2006 and for more than a decade has continuously passed the strictest standards of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As the leader of the pact, Cobra Energy Drink vows to educate the market by sharing information about energy drink ingredients and proper consumption habits proving that consumers control their own energy.

Cobra delivers both physical performance and mental alertness made for people who push productivity to the next level. It is not only a refreshing tasty drink but also has performance-boosting ingredients. Thus with FDA regulation, energy drink Cobra is approved to be widely available in the Philippines.

Ingredients in Cobra

Cobra contains safe levels of caffeine and sugar as stimulants for instant energy boost and mental alertness. It has high quality B vitamins to help the body get energy.

Added ingredients are taurine, an amino acid that aids the body’s metabolic process and has antioxidant properties; ginseng to boost memory, concentration, and performances; and, inositol to help nerve functions.

Cobra continues its efforts by providing people facts on how energy drinks play a role in their active and busy lifestyles and arriving at a common understanding to take charge and stay informed.

Summit Natural Drinking Water is now the country’s No. 1 brand for the mineral and purified segment of packaged water on Nielsen’s annualized period covering March 2017-February 2018! Congratulations!

*****

Should there be a need to take sports drink or energy drink, it is important to rehydrate either with water or an appropriately formulated one after an exercise or intense workout. Important to keep in mind that as with all foods and drinks, moderation is key. To me, hands down, the best choice is water.

Multisport newbies, enthusiasts, and veteran triathletes set out for a new challenge as they showcased their skills in swimming, biking and running in the TRI-Factor Asian Championship Series earlier today at the Camsur Watersports Complex.

A big number of athletes in the region are vying in the four-leg mass participation series composed of individual swim, bike, and run events, and a finale triathlon staged to promote an active and healthy lifestyle particularly among the youth.

📷 credit to Tri-Factor Philippines ; One of a Kind Marketing

The TRI-Factor has grown from organizing multisport events in Singapore to creating the premier short-course championship series across the Asian region with CamSur hosting the third leg of the Asian Series and it comes at a time when local triathlon is enjoying tremendous boom with top notch events held regularly across the country the last few years.

📷 credit to Tri-Factor Philippines ; One of a Kind Marketing

Spicing up this weekend’s event is the participation of celebrity Gerald Anderson and Ms Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez.

📷 credit to FrancRamon.com

Anderson did the sprint and fellow Team De Rosa mainstays. Gomez finished her Freshmen distance triathlon debut on Saturday afternoon.

📷 credit to Tri-Factor Philippines ; One of a Kind Marketing

The event held in conjunction with the Kaogma Festival celebration featured a “Race to Give” project where TRI-Factor racers get to award school supply kits to every indigenous child right after they finish the race as part of TRI-Factor’s corporate social responsibility.

Host province led by Gov. Migs Villafuerte, welcomed all participants during the race kit collection.

📷 credit to Tri-Factor Philippines ; One of a Kind Marketing

Action also heated up today with the TRI-Factor long and standard distance triathlon slated from 6:30 AM to 12 noon and the TRI-Factor sprint distance triathlon set from 7 AM to 11 AM. The awards rites will be held from 1 PM to 3 PM to be followed by the Let’s Party@Kaogma Festival bash.

A merry mix of triathletes, wannabes and weekend runners gear up for a fun, but competitive race when the TRI-Factor Asian Championship Series stages its third leg at the CamSur Watersports Complex on May 26-27.

From Singapore to China, the circuit resumes in the Philippines with Camarines Sur, which has successfully hosted a number of triathlon and multi-sport events the last few years, putting up a course at par with international standards while guaranteeing a race to remember for the big international cast.

Local and international triathletes will be welcomed by the scenic view of CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC). Image by CWC, Chris Hopf. “I’m sure Tri-Factor in CamSur will not just be a competitive race but also a fun and exciting triathlon race,” said CamSur Gov. Migs Villafuerte. “Our province has been home to many triathlon and other sports events but the Tri-Factor Phl race is something that should not be missed since it will be one of the highlights of our Kaogma Grand Festival.” The TRI-Factor is a four-leg mass participation series composed of individual swim, bike and run events and a finale triathlon in a number of countries throughout Asia. It is held to provide kids, multisport beginners, enthusiasts and veteran triathletes a venue to polish their skills in swimming, biking and running.

Participants can actually take part in one or more events, giving them the opportunity to swim, bike or run or do all three to complete a triathlon. “This race series is designed for all capabilities and ages, starting from the kids triathlon all the way up to the long distance triathlon,” said TRI-Factor founder and managing director of the organizing Orange Room Pte. Ltd Elvin Ting. The host and organizers are preparing a grand welcome for local and international participants with the race kit collection set on May 26 from 10 AM to 5 PM. The race kit includes event tee, swim cap, timing chip, race bib, drawstring bag and finisher medal.

Finisher MedalEvent Tee

Also on tap in the day are the community aqua fun event from 3 PM to 4 PM, the TRI-Factor Freshmen Distance Triathlon from 4:30 PM-6 PM, a 200m-swim, 10K bike, 2K run event with age classifications of 13-15, 16-29, and 30-and-above. The TRI-Factor Kids Distance Triathlon from 5 PM-6 PM, a 100m swim-5km bike-1km run race with awards rites set from 6:30 PM-9 PM. Action heats up on May 27 with the TRI-Factor Long, an individual and team relay – 1.5km swim-60km bike-15km run) in various age classes, and Standard Distance Triathlon, an individual and team relay event – 1.5km swim-40km bike-10km run, firing off at 6:30 AM to 12 noon. The TRI-Factor Sprint Distance, a 740m swim-20km bike-5km run event featuring age-group classes of 16-29, 30-44, and 45-and-above, will start at 7 AM to 11 AM with the awards ceremony set from 1 PM-3 PM to be followed by the grand party @Kaogma Festival.

Meanwhile, the race cut-off times are 45 minutes (Kids), 1 hour-30 mins (Freshmen), 2 hours, 30 mins (Sprint), four hours and 15 mins (Standard) and five hours for the Long distance. Roads will be re-opened by 10 a.m. on May 27 while those still on route will be directed back to the main event site to finish their run leg.

I was out jogging around the neighborhood when a thought struck me. “What is that sport that I can do at my own time, at my own pace, and not so expensive?” Running was the answer. Well, I thought it wasn’t expensive, but it turned out I was wrong. It was sometime in 2007.

From finishing a three-kilometer benefit run to marathons to ultramarathons—be they road or trail races—it made me move forward to continuously challenge myself. To be honest, I did not know I could run more than 42 kilometers or even more than a hundred kilometers at the same time, exposed to the elements, or running under the scorching heat of the sun, or running in the rain. But my first love was swimming. I first learned to swim late in life. In fact, I was already in my 20s when I first learned the basics of swimming, but it was never too late to try something new.

Combined with my ability to run, I experienced my first aquathlon race, a 400m swim-7K run-400m swim, in Corregidor Island in 2009. The following year, I had the chance meeting in person at an event, one of the living legends in the arena of ultramarathon running, Scott Jurek. At some point that day, he signed autographs for the attendees. What I received from Scott was, “Running Diva, dig deep!” he told me. I was impressed, and began to think what it meant. In the end, it took me five years to fully understand the implications of the value of what he wrote. For in mid-February of 2015, I got my first road bike from two great friends. Yeah, it was a second-hand bike from owners who like me were also runners. Let us anonymously named these two as Maui and Coach Ige. Owning a bike now, I signed up for the first time a 40-kilometer bike race having no formal fitness training in cycling. More about this crazy cycling story here. Later that same year, I signed up for 2016 Cobra IRONMAN 70.3. It’s IRONMAN 70.3, Running Diva! It was my way of testing my limits to bring me closer to what Scott wrote. Dig deep. You’re in. Daunting!

A triathlon (tri) is a multiple-stage competition involving three disciplines of swimming, cycling, and running. The format is always like that. Swim, bike, and run. A triathlete trains and devotes time for each discipline. Another important aspect of triathlon includes two transitions. Transition one or T1 swings from swimming to cycling. Transition two or T2 changes from cycling to running. And the time accumulated to change in these two transitions are included in overall time of a triathlon. The usual progression of a beginner triathlete is to usually transition from Sprint distance to Olympic distance to Half Ironman to long course triathlon, and finally, to Ironman. Or, to some athletes they progress by joining multisport events such as aquathlon (swim-run) and duathlon (bike-run) before attempting triathlon.

In 2016, I trained and completed my first Half Ironman distance triathlon in Cebu City. Prior to this, I only had completed (and won third place in my Age Group) a Sprint and two-kilometer open water swimming. I believe my background in running really helped me complete the competition. It was not perfect, not really fast, but I finished strong. That was my goal. And, I achieved it.

The races that followed after finishing the Half Ironman distance were Sprint and Standard courses. Earlier this year, I have run a marathon in Cebu City, and raced in a cycling event in Indonesia, a UCI Gran Fondo World Series Tour de Bintan that included stand-alone events like the 17K Individual Time Trial and the 144K Gran Fondo Classic. Both of these cycling events were geared to finishing an Ironman in the near future. Crossing my fingers.

Now talking of tri, this brings me to the exciting part of this post about this upcoming event happening this month, the TRI-Factor Asian Championship Series. The action will take place on May 25 to 27 at the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex. It features various tri distances to test the mettle of the veteran triathletes, beginners, and enthusiasts. This is such a huge boost for this growing sport across the Asian region since most countries such as ours, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and China have the best beaches ideal for a tri race. In our country alone, with so many to choose from, the islands have hidden coves and beautiful sandy beaches for such a demanding sport that requires courses for swimming, biking, and running. I have known some friends who will be doing this tri race. And, I wish them all the best of luck!

With tri getting so much attention, is it the new strong? Maybe. Possibly. So what your strong? Swimming? Biking? Or, doing other fitness sports? To “find your strong” means whatever sport you are in and as long you put time, and is passionately pursuing it, not one sport is stronger than the other. In my IMHO, what makes the sport strong is because of you. Yes, you, the athlete.

Having the strong mindset, the willingness to appreciate mental preparation training (at the expense of losing your social life, well, temporarily, of course), striking the right work life balance, learning techniques to improve performance, and dealing with stressors, setbacks including losses are what makes you strong. Almost all sports have these elements. It will be like this: 90% mental and the other percentage is for physical.

You are strong when you put your heart to it. You are strong when you stay committed and focus. You are strong that even when you fail or lost or knock down (or you crash, or you are in a cast because of a fracture), you get right back up.

A real winner doesn’t have to be a title holder or a gold medalist. I have had my share of going up on the podium and collecting medals and trophies. To me, the real winner is when you do whatever it takes to achieve your goal, and be the best you can be, the Best Version of Yourself.